Published:
10:00 10 July 2022
From Hollywood stars to a former English captain, Norwich has ties to a number of celebrities and celebrities.
Here are seven familiar faces you may not know have a link to the Fine City.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp apparently bought a bath at Norwich
– Credit: PA
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion on the list is A-lister Johnny Depp.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star apparently bought an antique bath at Stiffkey Bathrooms, in Upper St Giles Street, in 2014.
He is said to have become a fan of the store after seeing his taps and accessories on set at Pinewood Studios.
Depp’s bath, which had a price tag of £ 5,000, was then left in the shop window – which had a label with ‘SELL – Mr J Depp, Los Angeles, USA’.
2. Hugh Jackman
Australian actor Hugh Jackman has revealed that he once had an opportunity to invest in Norwich City Football Club.
Jackman’s mother once lived in Norwich and he visited her several times as a child – including a trip to Carrow Road when he was 16 years old.
In 2004, he told FHM magazine that his favorite bar in the world was The Nag’s Head in Norwich.
Speaking at the time, the now 53-year-old said: “I would have to say my favorite is a pub in Norwich called The Nag’s Head.
“There’s always music and everyone has a singing song, some bottles and telling stories.”
The Night’s Head closed in 1997 and the building is now The Last Pub Standing.
Matt Smith
Matt Smith went to the University of East Anglia
– Credit: PA
The former Doctor Who actor studied drama and creative writing at the University of East Anglia after leaving school.
Smith graduated from the UEA in 2005 and went on to appear as the Eleventh Doctor, appearing in films such as Official Secrets and Morbius.
4. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran performed regularly in Norwich when he began his music career
– Credit: PA
Shape of You singer Ed Sheeran has become a worldwide name over the past decade with several number one hits.
Sheeran, who grew up in Framlingham in Suffolk and is a firm Ipswich Town fan, became prominent in 2011 with his first hit single The A Team and released five albums.
And after growing up on the road from Norwich, Sheeran was a regular visitor when he first started his music career – opening in 2008 for Nizlopi in the city.
Later in 2010, Sheeran and rapper Example released a song called ‘Nando’s Skank’ when they were behind the scenes at The Waterfront in Norwich, which was a song about a Nando’s black card.
5. Sir Philip Pullman
The author Sir Philip Pullman (75) is best known for his fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials.
Pullman, who was knighted on the 2019 New Year honors list, was born in Norwich and is a lifelong fan of the football club.
In 2008, The Times named Pullman one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker has links to Norwich
– Credit: PA
The match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is best known for scoring goals for the likes of Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and England – but he once scored a hat-trick in a Norwich City shirt.
Lineker was one of several players set up for the testimonial of Northern Ireland defender John O’Neill, who braved a squad from Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Lineker scored a perfect hat-trick when the game ended 8-2 against O’Neill’s All Stars.
This is not where his Norwich connection ends – Lineker’s mother, Margaret, was a Norwich City fan.
7. David Beckham
David Beckham once had a trial at Norwich City
– Credit: PA
Former England captain David Beckham is an international star and famous all over the world – but he could have made his name at Norwich City.
The former winger of Manchester United and Real Madrid actually had a trial with Norwich City in 1987 before signing schoolboy terms with the Red Devils.
His career would then take him to win 115 English matches, win six Premier League titles and a Champions League winning medal alongside Manchester United and play for Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
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